Orca Memorial Prayer Flags

Orca Memorial Prayer Flags

These sets of seven Memorial Prayer Flags were made to honor nine Southern Resident Orcas who died in the period from January 2016 through January 2017 in America’s northwest Salish Sea. The style is that used by Tibetan Buddhists who hang their flags outside where Nature’s wind and weather can carry the prayers far and wide. Hung outside or inside, the flags carry the Orcas’ images and names over a Memorial Prayer.

Orca Memorial PrayerWe pray for you and your passing. We remember your gentle presence precious to your families and to those humans dedicated to watching over you. We offer thanks for your time here and rededicate ourselves to preserving the gift of your clan. May our love and eternal light shine on your spirit.

Although J2 Granny is assumed to have died from old age, the others are assumed to largely have suffered from lack of their preferred diet of King salmon. For more information on all the endangered Southern Resident Orcas and efforts to protect them, visit the Center for Whale Research (www.whaleresearch.com) and Orca Network (www.orcanetwork.org ) and chatty blogs at www.dianereardonblog.com

How the Flags Were Created

This unlimited edition of seven flags each was based on photographs by many dedicated photographers who are part of the ongoing identification and tracking of Orcas. Thanks to the ongoing work of Susan Berta, Howard Garrett, Ken Balcomb, Monika Wieland, Alisa Brooks, Cindy Hansen, Jill Hein, and Barbara Grove. Permission to work from the specific iconic shots of Sonic and Nigel were given by photographers Heather MacIntyre and Dave Ellifrit.

Each set is giclée printed one at a time on silk by the artist, signed, and dated before being strung onto a 65” hanging cord.

Hanging and Care

Wherever you hang prayer flags, ongoing fading and raveling of edges is traditional. Unlike most art, which should not be in bright light, the flags can be hung outside or inside a window that catches the sun. Should they get soiled, they can be washed on a delicate setting or by hand and they may be ironed on high setting and with steam.

Prayer Flags in Your Life

Thanks to your support, a portion of the flags’ purchase price goes to Orca Network which educates us all about whales of the Northwest, including weekly online whalewatching (www.orcanetwork.org). In addition, my hope is that, as you live with the flags, you’ll reflect on how daily choices in your use of energy and water support the health of our oceans and our whales.